The council meeting was called to order by Mayor Struck at 5:30 pm followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Members present: Councilor Buchanan, Councilor Williams, Councilor Neve, Councilor Davis, Councilor Little, Police Chief Eastham, City Supervisor Houk and Clerk/Treasurer Roberts.

3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA, CONSENT AGENDA, AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A motion was made by Councilor Neve to approve the Agenda, Consent Agenda and the minutes of the February 12, 2018 regular meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilor Williams. Vote: Ayes-5, Noes-0, Absent-0

Vendors – Check #43854 thru Check #43879 - $26,112.33

4. CORRESPONDENCE

None

5. ITEMS FROM THE PUBLIC

Pam Nogueira-Maneman introduced herself and explained that she is running for Pacific County Prosecutor. Councilor Davis asked if she worked at the prosecutor’s office now and she explained that she currently works for Ingram, Zelasko & Goodwin in Aberdeen.

6. DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS

City Supervisor Houk reported that even though the crew has been shorthanded they have been keeping the roads clear during the nasty weather and have worked on a few water leaks. Councilor Neve thanked City Supervisor Houk for salting around the post office.

Clerk/Treasurer Roberts noted that she would be out of the office the week of March 12th. She will be handing over her gavel to the new President of WMCA at their annual conference.

7. MAYOR’S REPORT

Mayor Struck gave kudo’s to the public works crew for staying on top of the weather and seeing that the roads were de-iced!

8. COUNCIL COMMENTS

Councilor Buchanan explained that he had a letter which was part of the council packet that he would like to send to The Honorable Ryan Zinke, Secretary, United States Department of the Interior expressing his concern about offshore oil and gas leases. Councilor Buchanan was hoping that the rest of the council would sign the letter showing their support as well.

Councilor Williams also gave kudo’s to the public works crew for handling some recent water issues by cleaning out some of the ditches in town that had standing water in them. Great job!

Councilor Davis noted that she was glad to see the recycle bins were back. Mayor Struck pointed out that they were back because the capital budget passed which helps fund the recycle bins and they are facilitated by Pacific County.

Councilor Davis asked about the status of Pioneer Park. Mayor Struck explained that the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) was unable to fund the project because it was considered more of a want than a need, but it is still something that Mayor Struck has on the back burner and is still looking for a way to fund the project.

Councilor Davis asked if the city thought the South Bend School District might have an interest in purchasing Cheney Park. Mayor Struck advised that they have no interest in purchasing the park. As the spring and summer approaches there will be some shared maintenance and the school will handle the check in and check out process if someone wants to use the ball field. There will be no cost to use it as the goal was for it to be free for the citizens but there will be requirements to use it – things you can and cannot do on the turf. It was also mentioned that when the Cheney Foundation originally funded the building of the park that there may have been some caveats as to whether or not the city could even sell the park property.

9. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 5:46 PM to meet again at 5:30 PM on Monday, March 12, 2018 for the next regularly scheduled meeting at South Bend City Hall.

The council meeting was called to order by Mayor Struck at 5:30 pm followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Members present: Councilor Buchanan, Councilor Neve, Councilor Davis, Councilor Little, Police Chief Eastham and Clerk/Treasurer Roberts. Councilor Williams (excused) and City Supervisor Houk were absent.

3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA, CONSENT AGENDA, AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A motion was made by Councilor Neve to approve the Agenda, Consent Agenda and the minutes of the January 22, 2018 regular meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilor Davis. Vote: Ayes-4, Noes-0, Absent-1

Police Chief Eastham gave a brief department update since the last council meeting.

7. MAYOR’S REPORT

Mayor Struck reported that she attended the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) City Action Days on January 24th and 25th in Olympia. There are over 1,300 bills that are progressing through the Legislature but not all of them have made it out of committee. She explained that is a lot of bills to get through. One of the hot topics right now is wireless broadband especially in rural areas. It was agreed that better, higher speed internet service in rural areas is a must.

8. COUNCIL COMMENTS

Councilor Buchanan announced that he attended the Friends of the Willapa Hills Trail – Pacific County meeting on January 25th with the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission to discussion the proposed improvements to the Willapa Hills trail. He thanked Mayor Struck and the council for their support of the project.

Councilor Neve asked Clerk/Treasurer Roberts if a final date had been set for the Newly Elected Official Training. Clerk/Treasurer Roberts explained that AWC has been working with a specific attorney that they really want to do the training and he has been busy with a trial but it appears that a tentative date of Monday, March 26th has been set. The training will start at 6:00 pm – immediately after our council meeting.

9. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 5:41 PM to meet again at 5:30 PM on Monday, February 26, 2018 for the next regularly scheduled meeting at South Bend City Hall.

The council meeting was called to order by Mayor Struck at 5:30 pm followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Members present: Councilor Kuiken, Councilor Williams, Councilor Neve, Councilor Webber, Councilor Hall, City Supervisor Houk, Police Chief Eastham and Clerk/Treasurer Roberts.

3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA, CONSENT AGENDA, AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A motion was made by Councilor Neve to approve the Agenda, the Consent Agenda and the minutes of the February 13, 2017 regular meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilor Hall. Vote: Ayes-5, Noes-0, Absent-0

Vendors - Check #42791 thru Check #42822 - $51,063.38

4. CORRESPONDENCE

None

5. DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY REVIEW OF FINAL DRAFT SHORELINE MASTER PROGRAM

Mayor Struck presented the final draft of the Shoreline Master Program (SMP). Mayor Struck reviewed the changes that were recommended and/or required by the Department of Ecology (DOE). If the council agrees to the proposed changes, the DOE will issue its Conditional Approval of the SMP. The city can then adopt the SMP by ordinance, forwarding both the SMP and ordinance to DOE. Upon receipt, DOE will then publish a Notice of Final Action, which triggers a 60-day appeal period. The SMP goes into effect at the date of publication. Following a brief discussion Councilor Neve made a motion to accept the changes to the Draft Shoreline Master Program as presented. The motion was seconded by Councilor Kuiken. Vote: Ayes-5, Noes-0, Absent-0

Mayor Struck presented the Fliess Creek Source Redevelopment Project Funding Success and Action Plan information as submitted by Gray & Osborne, Inc. (G & O). Mayor Struck explained that at the time (2015) the city really felt that they needed to pursue an additional water source for the seafood canneries because at that time the city wasn’t able to supply all the water necessary without buying water from Raymond (intertie). Since that time the weather has been cooperating with much wetter weather and the canneries are not using nearly as much water as they were. During a recent conversation with all three of the canneries they didn’t feel it would be cost effective for the city to move forward with the Fliess Creek project because they don’t feel that they will need that additional water like was needed in the past. The engineering costs for this project were $80,000 which the city has been paying “out of pocket” and over half of that came out of the 2016 budget. Based on this information Mayor Struck recommended that the city pull any requests for funding of this project and wait and see what the future brings. She also noted that raising rates to fund this project is not an option. Councilor Hall asked what the funding cycle was for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and he was advised it was a yearly cycle. Mayor Struck also explained that there will be money in the Centennial Fund this year and that could also be a funding source in the future. Councilor Hall asked if this also included the expansion of the water treatment plant and he was advised that no, that is a completely separate project and that project is moving forward.

Councilor Hall made a motion to accept Mayor Struck recommendation to withdraw the city’s request for funding of the Fliess Creek Source Redevelopment Project as presented. The motion was seconded by Councilor Neve.Vote: Ayes-5, Noes-0, Absent-0

7. SPRING CLEANUP DISCUSSION

Mayor Struck explained that the city is preparing for this year’s spring cleanup and wanted the councils input as there was some discussion last year about how some citizen’s abused the program. Should the city curtail spring cleanup? Councilor Williams noted that he was one of the councilors that had concerns, but as long as the city didn’t lose (or are taken advantage of) then he didn’t have an issue with keeping the program the same as it was. Clerk/Treasurer Roberts explained that she would present the council with a side by side comparison with last years and this year’s numbers after spring cleanup is over so they can compare numbers. Following a brief discussion Councilor Williams made a motion to continue spring cleanup with no changes. The motion was seconded by Councilor Neve. Vote: Ayes-5, Noes-0, Absent-0

8. ITEMS FROM THE PUBLIC

None

9. DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS

Police Chief Eastham reported that his last new hire, Patrick Jo, is now at the Police Academy and has experienced some one on one time with his TAC (Teacher, Administrator, Councilor) Officer. Luis Gonzalez will be graduating from the academy on March 22nd and then Police Chief Eastham said he will be ready for some time off! Councilor Hall noted that the students at South Bend School will be glad to see Luis as well when he starts working as the Teen Action Coalition representative.

10. MAYOR’S REPORT

Mayor Struck reported about her time at the Association of Washington Cities City Action Days which she attended in Olympia on February 15 & 16. As was expected there was plenty of gloom and doom while listening and speaking with the various legislators. Much of the available funding will be going to schools due to the McCleary Decision (See January 23, 2017 Minutes). Most funding requests have been put on hold until 2018. Policy bills like public records requests, water bills and lodging tax are too early to know what their outcome will be. Councilor Neve asked if Mayor Struck had seen anything come through about the proposed lodging tax and Mayor Struck explained that she had just seen an email prior to the council meeting but felt it was premature to discuss anything about it at that time.

11. COUNCIL COMMENTS

Councilor Hall ask Councilor Kuiken how many first responders the South Bend Fire Department had. Councilor Kuiken believed that there were three or four. To become a first responder now requires a great deal of time with multiple hours/days of training and once you are trained you must re-certify each year. Most people are very unlikely or unwilling to commit to that kind of time for an unpaid/volunteer job plus most if not all already have a full time job and cannot commit to taking that much time off to test and train.

Police Chief Eastham also expressed his problem getting reserve officers because it has become the same kind of issue with him. To become a reserve officer now an individual must go to class for several months on their own time to do a job that pays nothing. This is something that was put forth by larger agencies that don’t need reserves. Mayor Struck mentioned that maybe this is something that should be a talking point with the legislature for next year. Requirements for first responders and police reserves that are much less stringent for smaller cities would be a great benefit.

Councilor Kuiken pointed out that first responders, even with training, are very limited on what they can do – they can only control bleeding, open an airway and provide oxygen (if they have it). They cannot administer anything.

Councilor Neve announced that as of March 16th she has lived in the City of South Bend for a decade and she loves it here! She also mentioned that she is seeing more visitors coming through town.

Councilor Williams brought up the subject of having a fireman present at a city council meeting – at least once in a while. Mayor Struck explained that the subject has been broached with the fire department and it was noted by them that there are two members of the fire department, City Supervisor Houk and Councilor Kuiken that attend every council meeting so it was felt that the fire department was well represented. Councilor Neve mentioned that since the fire department is doing their annual fund drive that perhaps they should let the council know what they use the funds they raise for. Councilor Kuiken explained that the money is used for scholarships (as many as three in a year have been awarded), items for the annual Labor Day Parade, Halloween for the kids and various other items that aren’t in the fire departments budget.

11. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 6:05 PM to meet again at 5:30 PM on Monday, March 13, 2017 for the next regularly scheduled meeting at South Bend City Hall.

The council meeting was called to order by Mayor Struck at 5:30 pm followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Members present: Councilor Kuiken, Councilor Williams, Councilor Neve, Councilor Hall, City Supervisor Houk, Police Chief Eastham and Clerk/Treasurer Roberts. Councilor Webber was absent. (Excused)

A motion was made by Councilor Neve to approve the amended Agenda, the Consent Agenda and the minutes of the January 23, 2017 regular meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilor Webber. Vote: Ayes-4, Noes-0, Absent-1

Mayor Struck requested permission to sign the Intergovernmental Agreement for Integrated Solid Waste Management. A motion was made by Councilor Williams to authorize Mayor Struck to sign the Intergovernmental Agreement for Integrated Solid Waste Management as presented. The motion was seconded by Councilor Neve. Vote: Ayes-4, Noes-0, Absent-1

6. CONTRACT FOR BOARDING PRISONERS

REMOVED FROM AGENDA

7. ITEMS FROM THE PUBLIC

Citizens Daryle & Linda Buchanan (212 S Jackson) representing numerous people in the audience spoke regarding the current immigration issues that are presently front page news. Ms. Buchanan read a prepared statement from Citizen Jan Davis who was out of town and not able to attend the council meeting. “Many of you that know me know that the protection of our citizens in South Bend and Pacific County is very important to me. The recent deportation of Guadalupe in Arizona is in my opinion a warning shot to all undocumented people in the US. This policy will have great negative consequences for Pacific County. South Bend school for instance has a reported 42% Hispanic enrollment. Sure most of those students are American citizens but their parents and grandparents may not...have the documentation to remain in our Country. Those people have been a part of our community, allowed our schools to thrive and our local economy to stay afloat. They are our friends and neighbors and worship next to us. Our new President and most of his administration do not understand or for that matter care about the impact this will have on our small towns. Are we willing to make a stand to protect our friends?”

Ms. Buchanan then asked for the city’s response. Mayor Struck deferred to Police Chief Eastham. Police Chief Eastham who explained that the city has no intention of doing any type of immigration raids. He noted that even if he wanted to, which he doesn’t, he does not have the man power for that type of thing. Councilor Williams mentioned the staggering cost to get citizenship which is a deterrent for many.

Councilor Neve noted that at one time she worked for the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) which is located in Washington DC and she advised that you couldn’t ask for nicer group of attorneys. They would be willing to help anyone who is interested in getting their citizenship.

Citizen Sandy Harris mentioned that currently 30 counties and cities have established themselves as a “Sanctuary City” and was wondering if the city planned to do that. Mayor Struck advised her no, the city would be, but also would not be “rounding up” anyone. Ms. Buchanan suggested that the city consider some type of outreach program were undocumented citizens could talk to someone without concerns about deportation. Police Chief Eastham explained that as soon as Luis Gonzalez graduates from the police academy he plans to have Officer Gonzalez become the Teen Action Coalition (TAC) representative at South Bend Schools. Everyone agreed he would provide a great resource to the students. Mayor Struck noted that if anyone was concerned or worried about the city’s position on immigration they should come and talk to her and Police Chief Eastham. Councilor Williams asked if Police Chief Eastham had ever been notified by Immigration & Custom Enforcement (ICE). Police Chief Eastham explained that yes, sometimes but it depends on the particular situation. Additional discussion ensued.

8. DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS

Police Chief Eastham announced that Luis Gonzales will be graduating from the police academy on March 22, 2017.

City Supervisor Houk explained that the crew has been doing some maintenance at the Light Creek dam for the past week. This work should substantially increase the city’s water storage capacity.

City Supervisor Houk reported that the city had a mudslide at Martin Creek on the impoundment access road. Ashley Construction, Inc. will be doing the repairs within the next month.

City Supervisor Houk noted that the sewer pump on Harrison Street was recently replaced. Fortunately the city had a new pump on hand. Again, this pump was damaged by baby wipes that are being flushed into the sewer system.

9. MAYOR’S REPORT

Mayor Struck announced that she would be attending the Association of Washington Cities City Action Days in Olympia on February 15 & 16. There are a lot of promising things out there that would be advantageous for the city, but we will have to wait and see if things make it through the “chain”.

10. COUNCIL COMMENTS

Councilor Williams thanked everyone for coming in and expressing their concerns about the immigration issue.

Councilor Neve also thanked everyone for coming in.

Councilor Neve reported that during that day’s monthly chamber meeting is was announced that some new businesses were coming to town, but they couldn’t say yet what or who it would be.

Councilor Neve noted that the annual Chamber of Commerce banquet held on February 4th was wonderful and the winners were so surprised. (Citizen of the Year-Larry Bale, Person of the Year-Bobbie Harmer, Business of the Year-Elixir Café and Floral Design, Lifetime Achievement-Gary Dennis).

Councilor Hall noted that a new business is going into the old Jolly Rogers expresso stand. Per Police Chief Eastham it will be a bakery/sandwich shop. The person opening it is from Ocean Shores.

Councilor Hall asked if there had been an update or what the status of the homeless project on Broadway was (See September 12, 2016 minutes). Mayor Struck explained that she has not. She sent an email to Craig Dublanko 4 or 5 weeks ago, but did not receive a response. City Supervisor Houk noted that he had received a phone call from Adair Homes about two months ago regarding this project.

11. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 5:57 PM to meet again at 5:30 PM on Monday, February 27, 2017 for the next regularly scheduled meeting at South Bend City Hall.